Definition

In a way that is done quietly and without others knowing, often to keep something hidden.

Example

She secretively glanced at the surprise party preparations without anyone noticing.

Conversation

Did you see how she was acting at the party last night?

Yeah, it was a bit odd, almost like she was being secretively sneaky about something.

I wonder what she was trying to hide from us.

Maybe it was just a surprise for someone, but it definitely felt mysterious.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Secretively → It is formed from "secret" (from Latin "secretus", meaning hidden or concealed) and "-ively" (meaning in a manner of). The word "secretively" means in a manner that is hidden or concealed.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'hidden' ('secret') and done 'in a manner' ('-ively') — that's why secretively means doing something in a hidden way.

Visually Confused Words